Department of Public Health, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

Abstract: (2406 Views)

Objective: Violence during pregnancy has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study
aimed to explore the link between psychological violence (PSV) and pregnancy outcomes in terms of maternal
and birth for the first time in women attending Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) primary
health centers (PHCs) in Iran.
Methods: Prospective cohort of 1461 pregnant women exposed and non-exposed to PSV was followed until
the pregnancy outcome. Modified Intimate Partner Violence, demographic and pregnancy outcomes
questionnaires were administered face-to-face. Logistic regression analysis was down to estimate independent
effects of the PSV on pregnancy outcomes.
Results: More than half of the women (69.9%) reported PSV during pregnancy. The differences between the
two groups in reference with pregnancy complication did not reach statistical significance. Premature rapture of
membrane was the only outcome that was independently associated with PSV.
Conclusion: PSV in pregnancy was frequent in our study. Although the lack of adverse pregnancy outcome
following PSV was observed in this study, intervention is required to prevent the effect of violence on women
and child health.